I think a section where we can let off steam about anything would be useful in both reducing tensions and allowing less 'formatted' discussions(Or argruements, more likely)

I'll admit, having such a section is going to be difficult to manage but I think latitude to express what we think could be worth the risk. Surely; we could just try it out? We can always pull the plug later.

I think a section where we can let off steam about anything would be useful in both reducing tensions and allowing less 'formatted' discussions(Or argruements, more likely)

I'll admit, having such a section is going to be difficult to manage but I think latitude to express what we think could be worth the risk. Surely; we could just try it out? We can always pull the plug later.

**************I have thought this myself but came to the conclusion that mild-mannered , nice and friendly, non-confrontational and thoroughly sweet folk such as I may not get the chance to post much on such a forum; focused as it would be for the kind of person with hypertension or an inflated sense of self-grandeur, or even a misogynistic outlook in the case of the male faction.

A rant section with little moderation? That's just asking for trouble and causing more headaches for Josh and the mods. They'd have to establish new rules and what not for it. Far as I can tell the offtopic section here could be used for ranting/venting.. just as long as it doesn't turn into a fullblown namecalling cat fight. You look back far enough I've used it a few times to rant.

_________________I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much. - Mother Theresa

" Members should post in a way that is respectful of other users. Typical back and forth on the issues is expected and encouraged. But, please discuss the issues in a way that that is respectful to others. Differences of opinion are fine, but please agree to disagree in order to avoid flame wars. No personal attacks, no vendettas and no detrimental venting will be tolerated and efforts should be made to avoid stereotyping other users. Users are encouraged to approach discussions and debates with the goal of finding mutual understanding and respect. We will not tolerate excessive rudeness, overly insulting posts, personal attacks or purposeless inflammatory posts. Our decision is final in these matters. "

The intent of the Open Forum was to provide a space for people to rant, vent or just discuss any topic that interests them. We've always said the rules are applied a little more lightly there than in other spaces. Personal attacks against other users is going to be unacceptable anywhere on the forums. We've learned this from years of running a message board like this (we've had this up in one way or another since about 1993!) and I've yet to see any example of how it can happen in a positive manner. Ranting about issues, things that bother you, etc. is perfectly acceptable in any part of our forums. Many of you have been doing it for years!

So I guess that my suggestion would be to use the Open Forum for ranting, just not about other users here. Does that work?

I think a section where we can let off steam about anything would be useful in both reducing tensions and allowing less 'formatted' discussions(Or argruements, more likely)

I'll admit, having such a section is going to be difficult to manage but I think latitude to express what we think could be worth the risk. Surely; we could just try it out? We can always pull the plug later.

I think a section where we can let off steam about anything would be useful in both reducing tensions and allowing less 'formatted' discussions(Or argruements, more likely)

I'll admit, having such a section is going to be difficult to manage but I think latitude to express what we think could be worth the risk. Surely; we could just try it out? We can always pull the plug later.